What Colleges Want in your ‘How Will You Contribute?’ Essay

Want to know exactly what admissions officers expect from the “How will you contribute?” essay? Here is the truth: This prompt is not asking you to prove you’re impressive. It is asking you to prove you’re useful.

Colleges already admit thousands of high-achieving students every year. This essay helps decide who

actually belongs on their campus. And most students get it wrong.

It is Not About Being Perfect. It is About Being Valuable.

Admissions readers are not looking for flawless applicants, but they are asking a very practical question: “What will this student add to our community?”

If your essay is vague, generic, or resume-heavy, it’s not answering that question. Strong essays clearly communicate impact, fit, and intent.

Here is what colleges are actually scanning for:

1. Curiosity + Collaboration

Colleges want students who move conversations forward.

Strong essays show that you:

• Ask thoughtful questions

• Explore ideas beyond what is required

• Work well with others, not just independently

Saying you “love learning” means nothing without proof.

Instead, show moments where your curiosity changed the direction of a discussion, project, or group outcome. Collaboration signals maturity, something colleges greatly value.

2. Awareness of the Campus Community

This is where most essays quietly fail. Admissions officers expect you to understand some things about their campus, not just your own interests.

 High-impact essays:

• Reference specific programs, communities, or traditions

• Explain why those spaces matter to you

• Show how you’ll contribute immediately, not someday

If your essay could be copied and pasted to another school, it’s not strong enough.

Fit is not enthusiasm. Fit is alignment.

3. Initiative + Leadership (Without the Titles)

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Leadership is not a title.

Colleges care far more about:

• Problems you noticed

• Actions you took

• Outcomes you created

If your essay demonstrates initiative, decision-making, and follow-through, admissions officers will take notice and lean in.

4. Openness to Differences + Dialogue

Great campuses thrive on debate, discussion, and diverse viewpoints.

Colleges want students who:

• Listen actively

• Engage respectfully

• Stay curious even when challenged

This essay isn’t about being “right.” It’s about showing you can participate meaningfully in a complex community.

The Bottom Line

This essay is not about listing accomplishments. It’s about showing how you show up.

Make it personal. Make it specific. Make it real.

If you can clearly communicate the impact you’ll bring to campus, this essay becomes a quiet differentiator in a competitive pool.